Porsche snaps up autonomous tech firm
Investment in driverless technology company gives Porsche access to state-of-the art sensorsPorsche has invested in Israel-based tech company TriEye, which is developing an advanced short-wave-infra-red sensing (SWIR) system specially created to help autonomous vehicles navigate safely in adverse weather or low-light conditions.
How much Porsche, which will launch its first EV in the all-new Porsche Taycan this year, has invested in TriEye has yet to be revealed but, according to experts, the new SWIR HD cameras are attractive to the German car-maker because they harness new semi-conductor tech that costs a fraction of the price of current systems.
Cheaper, more advanced HD cameras could finally help car-makers overcome natural obstacles -- like snow, bright reflections or fog -- that confuse current driverless tech.
In a statement from Porsche announcing the deal, R&D boss Michael Steiner said: "We see great potential in this sensor technology that paves the way for the next generation of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving functions. SWIR can be a key element: it offers enhanced safety at a competitive price."
The cash injection from the car-maker will be used for more product development and help TriEye grow its team.
The new SWIR HD camera, meanwhile, will be launched in 2020 after patents for its new innovations are granted.
Porsche is said to be looking to further invest in artificial intelligence and virtual and augmented reality technology as well as software companies.
The German brand's sudden shift towards driverless cars is remarkable. Back in 2016 Porsche CEO Oliver Blume declared his disdain for autonomous cars, telling a newspaper: “An iPhone belongs in your pocket, not on the road”.
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